Contributing Editor Public Radio

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

9d

About The Position

The Contributing Editor will play a key leadership role in advancing collaborative journalism efforts between KUAR (Little Rock), KASU (Jonesboro), and KUAF (Fayetteville). This position is designed to strengthen statewide coverage by coordinating editorial planning, supporting reporters across all three stations, and producing high-quality daily, weekly, and special content. The Contributing Editor will help shape story ideas, guide reporting projects, and ensure consistent editorial standards across partners. They will work closely with the News Director to align newsroom priorities, oversee multi-station reporting initiatives, and contribute stories, features, and enterprise work for broadcast, digital platforms, and collaborative projects. This role requires strong editing skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to public-service journalism that reflects the diverse communities across Arkansas. The Contributing Editor will participate in podcasts, town halls, and community engagement events, representing the collaborative newsroom to listeners, stakeholders, and partner organizations. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institutional policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, English, or related field
• At least two (2) years of experience as a reporter, editor, or producer in a newsroom environment
• Strong news judgment and deep understanding of journalistic ethics
• Excellent editing, writing, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across newsrooms with varying workflows and capacities
• Skill in audio editing software (Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, ProTools, etc.)
• Comfort creating digital-first content for web and social media
• Ability to coach, mentor, and support reporters at varying levels of experience
• Strong organizational and project-management abilities
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and balance multiple projects simultaneously

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in public radio or at an NPR-affiliated station
• Experience in collaborative or multi-newsroom partnerships
• Familiarity with AP style and NPR editorial standards
• Experience in long-form audio production, podcasts, or live event journalism
• Experience editing audio or digital news content
• Demonstrated experience meeting tight deadlines with accuracy and clarity

Responsibilities

• Edit and provide feedback on scripts, digital stories, features, and enterprise reporting from all partner stations
• Produce original journalism: including spot news, features, investigations, and digital content for broadcast and online publication
• Lead or support special projects, such as podcasts, town halls, live audience events, multipart series, and statewide collaborative initiatives
• Help maintain consistent editorial standards across all partner newsrooms
• Mentor early-career reporters and assist with training on reporting, writing, audio editing, and digital publishing
• Participate in station fundraising efforts, including on-air drives and donor events.
• Represent the collaborative newsroom at community events, engagement activities, and partner meetings
• Respond swiftly to breaking news and help coordinate multi-station coverage when needed
• Assist the News Director with long-term planning, project scheduling, and workflow design
• Perform other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees